The Wedding Chain...

We have a tradition in our family, at least I think it could be considered a tradition as this is the fourth time it has happened. When one of the kids has gotten engaged, Naomi has made a paper chain to count down the days until the wedding. The soon-to-be bride or groom gets to tear a link off each day and we all watch the chain grow shorter. This visual reminder has the ability to create joy (look how few days are left!) or anxiety (look how much we have left to do in so few days!) or discouragement ( look how looong it still is!), all depending on who is looking at it.

This tradition was born out of a practice we used with the children when they were younger and they were anticipating a big event, like a birthday or vacation, but didn't yet have a very good concept of days or weeks or months. The count down chain gave them a visual calendar of "how long" it was until the special day. So of course when Melody got engaged 4 1/2 years ago and Naomi was to be a flower girl, that was definitely an occasion for a count down chain! Thus the tradition of the wedding chain was begun. Naomi, now 10 is quite proficient at using calendars, but she still eagerly made a chain when Timothy announced his wedding date. This time she even made a matching chain for Jessica to count down at her house. We tease them, that if someone accidentally forgets to tear off a link, they may not both show up for the wedding on the same day =D

Someday I expect Naomi will be making a chain for her own wedding, and I will be the one sadly watching each link disappear!

Thirty Two Years Ago ...

Thirty two years ago today, I gave birth to my first child. She was so tiny and perfect; I had no idea that sweet, tiny little baby would grow to be such a beautiful, devoted daughter and a dear friend. We struggled through all those "firsts" together, as is the fate of all first-born children. She was stubborn, independent and tenacious, and while all those adjectives still describe her character, today she applies them with grace and wisdom. She is devoted to her husband, family and friends. She was born to organize, and there is no finer seamstress. Above all she lives to know and serve God.

In a few short months she will welcome her own first-born into the world. I pray that she will be as blessed as I have been.

Today is a reminder to me of how blessed I am!

Happy Birthday, Angela!

Sure Signs of Spring!

There are lots of signs of Spring as I look into our backyard...

The quince is in bloom...

A clump of daffodils have opened...

The plum tree is in flower...

And the garden beds are getting rototilled!

A Day at the Beach...

 Yesterday we enjoyed a beautiful day at the beach, thanks to Naomi! Recently she got all her multiplication facts through 12 memorized and for her reward she got to choose a Friday outing. She decided she wanted to go to the beach with a stop at the Wild Flour Bakery on the way out for some yummy bread (we got a loaf each of Fougasse and Sticky Bun). It was one of the most beautiful days I have spent at the beach - warm, sunny and calm.

We all came home a little sun burned!

 Lucas spent most of the afternoon digging a pit. He assured us that if he'd had enough time he would have emerged somewhere off the coast of Australia!

I couldn't resist this picture! Angela was busy taking a photo, and the sun behind her created a silhouette showing how nicely our next grand baby is growing! :)

Our Week...

A few photos of our week...

Last Friday Lucas and Naomi had a riding lesson with Becky. Lucas rode on Hickory and Naomi rode on Phoenix. There are limited photos of the event, all taken by Naomi, as I (Grandma) was out walking Little O. in the stroller so his Mommy could give the lessons.

Naomi's lessons were a birthday gift and Lucas is earning his by cleaning tack and doing barn chores!

Phoenix got his mane braided by Naomi while Lucas had his lesson!

Poor Dixie... Naomi decided her doll needed a riding experience also!

While much of the country is enduring winter storms and dumping snow, we in northern California have been having balmy, summer-like days.Yesterday Naomi and I took Miss M. to our neighborhood park and soaked up some of that sun.

A good romp on the field is great preparation for nap time!

A clump of "Spring" in our backyard!

Valentine's Blessings...

Earlier this week I spent most of a day in bed with a bad cold (or flu?). Naomi decided it would be a good day to bake. She has often helped me in the kitchen but on this particular day she was on her own. She found the recipes, mixed up the dough, rolled, cut and baked the cookies. She then made frosting and decorated them all. Best of all she cleaned everything up and we had over 7 dozen beautiful and yummy cookies! Thank you, Naomi!

 And what kind of roses does a 14 year old son give to his Mom? Duct tape roses... of course!!!
I love them ~ Thank you, Lucas!

Playing in the Snow!

I love that we live in the very comfortable climate of Northern California and an added benefit to our location is that we can be at the ocean in less than an hour or up to the mountains to enjoy the snow in about 3 1/2 hours.

Playing in the snow is definitely different than living in the snow. Having grown up in the Canadian prairies I know that living in the snow is hard work, so I am very happy that we can enjoy playing in the snow in short doses and then return to the comfort of our daily life.

We just returned from a wonderful time of playing in the snow. Jordan & Becky did all the work of finding a rental house and planning a family trip to the snow. Most of the family was able to make it up for at least a few days. The house they chose to rent was the same one our family had stayed in 23 years ago when Jordan was just a little guy, and here we were again, this time with our grandson just a little guy. How quickly life moves!

We enjoyed good food, games, sledding and outdoor skating at a nearby ski village. Timothy and Jessica added to the festivities by arriving with a sparkling ring on Jessica's left hand! That was a bonus celebration that added to our vacation!

We are so blessed to enjoy good times with our extended family!

Naomi worked diligently everyday on her snow fort!

The newly engaged couple!

This little guy thought the snow was pretty cool!!!